The 'Assassins' was the name given to the Nizari Isma'ilis, a branch of Shia Islam, during the Middle Ages.

They were led by a charismatic figure named Hassan-i Sabbah.

In the late 11th century, Hassan-i Sabbah captured the mountain fortress of Alamut in Persia, which became the headquarters of the Nizari state.

The Nizaris were a minority sect that was persecuted by the dominant Sunni Seljuk Empire.

Facing a much larger enemy army, they developed a strategy of psychological warfare and targeted assassination of key enemy leaders.

Their trained devotees, known as 'fida'i,' were willing to sacrifice their lives to carry out these missions.

The legend that these assassins were under the influence of hashish is likely a fabrication created by their enemies; the name 'assassin' is thought to derive from 'hashishin'.

They established a network of remote mountain fortresses in Persia and Syria.

The Nizari state was eventually destroyed by the invading Mongol army, which captured and destroyed Alamut in 1256.

The stories of the Assassins, often highly exaggerated, were brought back to Europe by Crusaders and Marco Polo, creating a lasting legend.